Next they had the same students play games that measured trustworthiness and generosity. What they found is that the more easily embarrassed a person is, the more likely they are to display these pro-social traits.

The researchers note this correlations only applies to normal levels of embarrassment – not to shame or social anxiety.

Matthew Feinberg, who led the research, said, “Moderate levels of embarrassment are signs of virtue. Our data suggests embarrassment is a good thing, not something you should fight.”

They concluded that their finding “may be helpful for people seeking reliable partners in business and romance.”